Homeless Sunderland cocaine dealer who sold drugs to 'survive' is spared jail
A homeless dealer who sold drugs to “survive” has kept his freedom.
Maurizio Marcheddi was caught with individual snap bags of cocaine, a tub containing “rocks” of the drug, scales and a burner phone when police pulled him over in a white Ford Fiesta in Sunderland in May last year.
Newcastle Crown Court heard the phone contained messages about availability and prices, linked to street-level dealing.
Italian national Marcheddi, 26, of Patrick Avenue, Sunderland, admitted possessing a controlled drug with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug.
Recorder Christopher Rose told him: “Your basis of plea is at the time you were unemployed, homeless, in a desperate situation and were approached by people to supply drugs to make a little bit of money to live off.
“You were given the drugs and the phone and instructed what to do. You supplied drugs and delivered the money back.
"You were given a small amount you used to buy food and clothing and generally survive.”
The court heard Marcheddi grew up in Italy and has been in no trouble before or since, but has a “deprived background” and little support.
He also has health problems.
Recorder Rose sentenced him to 20 months suspended for two years, with 200 hours unpaid work and rehabilitation requirements.